Evelyn V. Gopez M.D. Professor of Pathology Associate Dean, School of Medicine Inclusion and Outreach
Medical School Applicant Interview Do’s and Don’ts
Goals Be Prepared! Be Confident! Be Yourself!
Be Prepared!
Mock Interviews Prepare for questions – Know your application – Rehearse your answers Prepare your interview outfit – Wear IT! Sit in it Stand in it Walk in it
Before You Arrive Make sure they have received your: – Personal Statement – References – Transcripts Make sure you know: – Where to go – Where to park – Name and Number of a contact person
Personal Statement Present information in chronological order
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What do you know about medicine?
Include personal experiences
How have you explored your interest in medicine?
What unique qualities would help you succeed?
Have at least 3 people read your 1 st draft (at least one physician)
Personal Statement Checklist Have as many people critique it as possible (especially physicians) List information in chronological order Be original and specific – Include personal experiences, activities, and inspirations
Social Media.
Appearance
Hair “Don’ts” for Men
Hair “Do’s” for Men
Hair “Don’ts” for Women
Hair “Do’s” for Women
Make-up Errors (Keep It Simple!)
Apparel
Don’ts For Men
Do’s for Men
Don’ts for Women
Do’s For Women
Appearance Check List For Men:For Women: Well-groomed hair (long hair tied back)Neat hair away from face Good, polished shoesLow–med heel, close-toed shoes Dark, coordinating socksNeutral stockings No flashy jewelrySimple jewelry Solid white or light-colored shirtNo low-cut blouses Coordinated tielight make up For Everyone: Remove piercings (1 earring in each ear ok) Pay close attention to personal hygiene!
The Bottom Line Stand out from the crowd. BE YOURSELF. Be your BEST self.
The night before the interview
Too late for last minute
Do NOT go out partying!
Make sure your wardrobe is ready
Relax.. Relax..RELAX!
Get a good night’s sleep
Night Before Checklist It is too late to worry. Relax! Don’t party Prepare your wardrobe and documents Get a good night’s sleep Set the alarm. Set 2 alarms. (just in case).
INTERVIEW DAY
Have a good breakfast
Scrupulous Personal Hygiene
Take a GOOD look in the Mirror
Leave plenty of time to arrive.
“On time” = 15 minutes early
Take Everyone Seriously Medical students are often asked to interview applicants. Their opinions count. EVERYONE is watching and listening, including: – Other students – Office staff – Escorts
Before the interview Checklist Eat a good breakfast Pay careful attention to hygiene & wardrobe Check yourself in a full length mirror Know where you are going and where to park Leave plenty of time to arrive Plan on being minutes early Have confident body language
THE INTERVIEW
Be Prepared
Stand until the interviewer sits or asks you to sit
Shaking hands (optional).
Don’t make comments about the office or personal effects of the interviewer
Be Confident – NOT Arrogant
Be sincere in your answers
Be prepared to discuss what you’ve written in your application – Research – shadowing – other meaningful experiences – Be enthusiastic – not over-eager – Be positive – not desperate – Be memorable – Be YOURSELF
NO BAD LANGUAGE!!!!
Challenge Questions Used to discover your thought processes – There are NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWERS
ASK QUESTIONS: Show the interviewer you are interested. Ask about: – The school – Board pass rates – Residency positions – Community service activities – Research opportunities
Leaving Leave on a positive note
Lasting Impression Make eye contact Shake hands Say “Thank You” to everyone!
It’s OVER!
Congratulations! Now What? What did you learn? How will you answer in the future? How did you feel in your clothes? What worked? What didn’t? How can you improve “you”?
FOLLOW UP
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